Taste Radio Insider

Taste Radio Insider is a podcast focused on news, trends and innovation in business of food and beverage. The show features interviews with the industry’s movers and shakers and includes discussion on emerging trends, innovation and news of the week from members of the BevNET and NOSH teams.

Insider Episode 24 - March 8, 2019:

+ Benjamin Witte, Recess; Expo West's Sea of CBD

Recess, a CBD-infused sparkling water brand, has taken the beverage world by storm. What’s behind the hype? Founder/CEO Benjamin Witte spoke about setting up Recess for a fast start and why he believes the best way to succeed as a beverage company is not to think like one. Also: on location at Expo West 2019, the hosts discussed a significant shift in how entrepreneurs and investors interact at the event and the wave of new CBD products exhibited at the show.

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 24: Hey Siri, How Do You Build a Millennial Brand?Ray Latif2019-03-09T01:05:50+00:00

Insider Episode 23 - March 1, 2019:

+ Ryan Lewendon, The Giannuzzi Group

Ryan Lewendon, a partner with influential CPG law firm The Giannuzzi Group, shared insights and advice based on over a dozen years spent working with high-profile food and beverage brands, including how to avoid early mistakes that can haunt entrepreneurs down the line and the keys to effective networking, plus tips on considering the valuation of your company and working with celebrities.

Insider Episode 22 - February 22, 2019:

In this episode, Ben Mand, the CEO of super-premium coconut water brand Harmless Harvest, discussed the evolution of the company’s business and innovation strategy. We also spoke with Michele Simon, the founder and executive director of the Plant Based Foods Association, about the changing landscape for plant-based foods.

Insider Episode 21 - February 15, 2019:

+ Bryan Meehan, Lance Bass

After spending $500 million to acquire a majority stake in Blue Bottle Coffee, it might be surprising to hear that Nestlé is content to let the premium roaster and retailer “just be.” Blue Bottle CEO Bryan Meehan spoke about the company’s relationship with Nestlé, its purposeful innovation strategy and efforts to enhance consumers’ experience with coffee. Also in this episode: an interview with former N’Sync star Lance Bass, who recently launched a cocktail mixer brand.

Insider Episode 20 - February 8, 2019:

+ Kara Goldin, Hint; James Le Compte, To'ak

Hint founder/CEO Kara Goldin discussed the role of Hint’s brick-and-mortar retail store in supporting the company’s omnichannel strategy. She also spoke about best practices for e-commerce and why data from online sales is critical to understanding Hint’s audience. Also: a conversation with James Le Compte, the CEO of To’ak, an ultra-premium chocolate brand based in Ecuador.

Insider Episode 19 - February 1, 2019:

+ Patrick Tannous, Tiesta Tea; Robert Jakobi, Bou

Tiesta Tea co-founder/CEO Patrick Tannous explained why hitting the pavement and building strong relationships with retail buyers has been critical to the development of his company. Robert Jakobi, a serial food entrepreneur and founder of better-for-you soup company Bou, chronicled his journey from the U.K. to the U.S. and discussed differences in how business works within the two countries.

Insider Episode 18 - January 25, 2019:

In this episode, we discuss retail strategies with the entrepreneurs behind two innovative companies -- Pete Maldonado, the co-founder of fast-growing meat stick brand Chomps, and Paul Evers and Steve Barham, the co-founders of upstart coffee brand Riff Cold Brewed -- who open up the playbook on everything from Trader Joe’s to tap rooms.

Insider Episode 17 - January 18, 2019:

From artisanal foods to craft spirits, this episode explores the evolving landscape for specialty food and distilled beverages. Rabobank’s Steven Rannekleiv discussed the emerging market for craft spirits and how the the investment community is evaluating the space. Specialty Food Association President Phil Kafarakis spoke about how the term specialty food has evolved in recent years and the ingredients and formulations that are shaping the future of the industry.

Insider Episode 16 - January 11, 2019:

+ Madeline Haydon, Nutpods; Nicole Cogan, Nobread

In this episode, nutpods founder/CEO Madeline Haydon explained how she laid the groundwork for a thriving DTC business and why focusing on high quality customer service has anchored the brand’s ecommerce strategy. Also, an interview with social media maven Nicole Cogan who spoke about best practices for sponsored social campaigns and how influencer marketing has evolved in recent years.

Taste Radio Insider Ep. 16: How to Win Online: Strategies For DTC and Influencer MarketingRay Latif2019-03-01T10:01:52+00:00